Chapter 20: Needle and Thread
Loki knew his punishment would be severe. But this he wasn't expecting. As Thor, his father, and his mother stood before him as his sentence was announced, he knew he deserved it. That didn't mean he had to like it. His powers had been stripped from him, reducing him to nothing more than a mortal. He was surprised to see how hurt his mother and Thor were at this outcome, but in the eyes of his father he knew, he was just another traitor. The punishment was simple really, almost too devious for the likes of his father. He would be bound to a life without power or immortality, and his mouth would be sewn shut, silencing him for good.
Loki cursed himself for not thinking of that one himself. But the real clincher in his sentence was that his own brother, or half brother, would perform the act himself. Thor didn't seemed pleased with this information, but Loki knew deep down Thor would do it.
As Thor grabbed Loki by the jaw, forcing him to look at him, Loki could see the battle within Thor at having to carry this out. So Loki decided to make it easier on him. Loki sneered at his brother, the last thing Loki would ever say to his brother was, "It was worth it."
Thor squeezed his brother's jaw harder, wishing his skull would break between his grasp. He held the needle and thread in his other hand ready to make the first stitch. As the needle pierced the corner of Loki's mouth, Thor purposely let the needle glide slowly through the first puncture. Tugging slightly at the thread as he wove it over Loki's mouth, Thor could feel Loki shaking from the pain. Never had Thor thought he would feel relief that someone other than himself would feel as much pain as he had.
With everyone watching Thor carry out Loki's punishment, Thor hurried his actions inflicting even more pain from his dark brother. Blood covered Loki's chin and Thor's hand as the sentence was complete. Thor stood back to look at his work on his brothers face. Through the pain Loki managed a smile, one last effort of defiance.
Thor turned angrily from Loki, taking his place by his father's side.
Odin stood proclaiming the finishing touches on the frost giant's sentence, "You, Loki, are now bound to silence. You will spend the rest of your days in a cell, away from the world. As the mute, powerless son of Laufey that dared defy Asgard. You are no longer my son, but a traitor to this realm."
Loki rolled his eyes at the dramatic sentencing.
"Take him away." Loki was hoisted up by the guards to spend eternity in a glass cell, on display for all to gawk and stare at him. It sounded completely boring to Loki, he knew they wouldn't let him stay like that forever. He knew sooner or later they would show compassion. That would be their first mistake but not their last.
Odin put a reassuring hand on Thor's shoulder, "I didn't wish to burden you with that task my son, but it is for the best."
"I know father, I trust you." Thor tried to smile but it came across as a grimace.
"Now we shall make preparations for your ceremony."
"Ceremony? Father…" Thor didn't want to deal with this right now. He was still mourning Skadi. It had been a few months since they sent Svarthalf to be put on trial, and Skadi's body to be buried properly. Thor didn't know how the elf race dealt with matters like that. He had hoped she was given a proper burial. He liked to think that her people mourned for her as much as he mourned her.
He would have liked to bring her there himself, but his father felt that inappropriate to do so. Thor felt it was the right thing, and never forgave himself or his father for that decision.
"I know my son, but you are ready. You are ready to rule Asgard."
"Whatever you think is best father. " Thor honestly couldn't care when or if it happened. He had been past the point of fighting anything that was out of his grasp. He would be there for Asgard whatever his father decided for him.
The ceremony of Thor's crowning as King had only taken a few weeks to prepare for. Thor stood outside the throne room waiting to make his entrance. He assured his father he would look pleased to become King. Odin noticed his son's spirit lacking the last couple of months, he couldn't fathom why he mourned the loss of the girl or that of his half brother. This is why Thor chose not to confide in his father of what he was feeling. He locked it away to be dealt with on his own. His mother, however, knew better.
As Thor walked back and forth waiting to make his entrance he was surprised by his mother's voice.
"You will make yourself nervous if you don't keep still." Her voice was full of compassion and worry for her son. She could see the change in him at the loss of the girl. She wished it had all turned out differently for him. He had been through so much.
"I'm already nervous." He said flatly.
"Don't be, you will make a fine King." She assured him while straightening the winged helmet on his head.
"Will I?"
She heard the pain in his voice and forced him to look at her. "Thor, I know what ails you. The Gods know I wish I could change the past. I know you miss her."
"Mother, I loved her. And Loki, if I had just…"
"We all have regrets about Loki. I would know. But there are things that cannot be undone. All we can do now is move forward. As hard as it will be at times, we must move forward." Frigga embraced her son closely, willing him to believe her words.
"And I know you loved that girl, and she loved you. Remember her as you rule Asgard," She placed a hand over his heart to emphasize her words, "She will always be here with you."
Thor nodded his head in understanding. He always knew her memory would be safe in his heart. The thought gave him courage for the future. He straightened himself, ready to face whatever he was put through.
"I'm ready."
"I know you are." Frigga gave him one last kiss on his cheek before she left him. The next time she would see him, he would be King of Asgard. As she left to take her place in the throne room, Thor was left to himself, waiting for his queue to make his appearance. When the announcement was made, he masked a smile on his face. The hall echoed with applause and admiration at his entrance. He made sure to look just as thrilled to be there. When he neared his father on the throne, he already felt the weight of the title on his shoulders. Once the noise died down in the hall Odin began the ceremony. The smiles from his warrior friends and Sif gave him a little courage to hold onto. He was thankful he still had their friendship, even after all he had dragged them through, they were by his side.
"Thor. You have proved yourself a worthy of the title of King, worthy enough to rule Asgard and its fine people. Do you accept this task that will forever test you and your loyalty?"
"I do."
"Will you accept the throne as it is given to you with trust and honor?"
"I will."
"Then I now proclaim you son of Odin, King of Asgard."
As Thor rose to receive his father's blessing the hall erupted in celebration. The crowning of a new King gave way for a new age in Asgard, an age that would flourish and give hope for a better future. As Thor took his new place on the thrown, letting the people, his people, cheer for him, his only thought was on the elf girl, who gave her life for Asgard. To him, she would be remembered as the savior of Asgard and his lost love.
A/N: So Thor is now king of Asgard and Loki is held as a prisoner. This is the last chapter save for the Epilogue. I will try and get it out as soon as possible, but I want to get it right and I know it will be a long one. Hold on to your butts! Please read and review!